Director of Public Works

City of Lowell
Lowell MI

Description

ABOUT THE CITY OF LOWELL

The City of Lowell is located in the southeastern sector of Kent County.  We are 16 miles from the City of Grand Rapids and 15 Miles from the City of Ionia.  The City of Lowell is a growing community with several ongoing and recently completed public improvements and private developments, friendly people, well-kept neighborhoods, outstanding public  schools, numerous parks, and a thriving downtown business district.  There are major growth opportunities with perspective development in agreement with Public Act 425 agreements with Lowell Township.

Lowell Department of Public Works at a Glance:

  •  20 Miles of City Streets
  • Planned Extensive Non-Motorized Pathway Network
  • The City operates six parks and owns other undeveloped park property that totals 175.87 acres including a 27-acre lake.
  • 1.5 Million Gallon a Day Lime Softening Water Treatment Plant which will need to be expanded to 3.0 Million Gallons a Day
  • 26+ Miles of Water Main, 2  Storage Tanks and Pumping Stations
  • 1.4 Million Gallon a Day Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility which will need at minimum capital upgrades with the potential to expand up to 2.8 Million Gallons a Day 
  • 21+ Miles of Sewer Main and 3 Sewer Lift Stations
  • 9 Budgeted Staff Members plus an additional position budgeted in 2026 

JOB SNAPSHOT

Work is performed under the direction of the City Manager.  Plans, organize and directs the operations of the Department of Public Works which includes streets & sidewalks; storm sewers; water treatment and distribution; wastewater treatment and collection; parks & public spaces; cemetery operations; and facilities, fleet and equipment management.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
Our ideal candidate for the Director of Public Works is a strategic and forward-thinking leader who can align day-to-day operations with the City’s long-term infrastructure, capital improvement, master plan, and strategic planning goals. The individual is a visionary with a creative and collaborative mindset with proven success on complex projects. They are approachable and encouraging, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and performance. This individual is attentive and engaging, effectively representing the DPW before the City Council, intergovernmental partners, contractors, and the public, enabling them to communicate complex technical matters with clarity and confidence. As a skilled delegator, they empower the DPW  staff to execute assigned projects efficiently, while maintaining oversight and fiscal responsibility. Above all, they combine technical expertise in public works systems with strong leadership presence, sound judgement, and the flexibility to respond decisively in emergency situations

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

  1.  Plans, organizes and directs all aspects of departmental operations ensuring safety, quality and efficiency.  Develops, recommends and implements departmental policies and procedures, internal controls, and departmental goals and objectives in accordance with departmental needs, legal requirements and the city’s overall strategic plan.
  2.  Plans, organizes and directs all on-going and special projects assigned to the department.
  3.  Prepares preliminary budget and capital improvement programs based on past programs and expectations of future needs.  Administers and monitors final approved budget ensuring effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.  Reports unexpected needs or discrepancies in a timely manner.
  4. Approves purchases and prepares departmental financial information as required.
  5. Researches grant opportunities, prepare and submit applications and administer grant funds awarded for departmental projects and/or purchases.
  6. Recruits and hires departmental employees.  Supervises personnel, evaluates performance, and oversees training and professional development.  Takes disciplinary, or corrective action when needed.
  7. Selects and procures equipment and materials as needed in accordance with capital improvement plans and approved budgets.
  8. Coordinates departmental activities with other city staff; contractors; vendors; utility companies; federal, state and local agencies; community organizations and other appropriate individuals or organizations.
  9. Represents the department by acting as spokesperson.  Establishes and maintains effective relationships with citizens, community groups, employees, vendors and other interests.
  10.  Coordinates the development of specifications, bid documents, contracts and related information and documents.
  11.  Reviews and advises on permits and development plans for work in city rights-of-way and other public spaces.
  12.  Prepares and maintains appropriate records and reports as required.
  13.  Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work process and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
  14.  Keeps abreast of developments and current issues in the public works field through continued education and professional development.
  15.  Knowledgeable of laws, policies, rules and contracts relating to the department.
  16.  May perform duties of other departmental personnel as workloads, temporary absences, or emergencies dictate.
  17.  Oversight of maintenance of city owned facilities and assets.
  18.  Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

All of the following functions, qualifications, knowledge skills and duties are essential.  An employee in this class, upon appointment, should have the equivalent of the following:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associates Degree.  A bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Engineering, or a related field is desired; five years of high level professional experience in public works, utilities, engineering; or any combination of experience, education, or training that demonstrates the applicant has the leadership competencies as described in the job description.
  • Considerable knowledge of the principles, standards and techniques related to municipal public works to assure professionally sound cost-effective departmental operations.
  • A valid Michigan Driver’s License (CDL and air-brake endorsement is desired).
  • Prior experience managing a union workforce is preferred
  • Extensive knowledge of water/sewer systems and the ability to advance in licensing 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • This is a non-unionized position, with an annual wage range of $98,500 - $107,000 based on experience.
  • A generous benefits package that includes: 
    o    Medical – HSA or PPO  
    o    Dental – employer paid  
    o    Vision – employer paid 
    o    Life/Disability – employer paid 
  • Employee  Assistance Program  
  • MERS Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 401(a) with an 10% employer contribution. Employee contribution of 6%.
  • Generous paid leave banks for PTO
  • Cell phone
  • Four Day Work Week


Requirements

Desired Qualifications:  Minimum requirement of an Associates Degree however graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.  Five years of high-level professional experience in public works, utilities, engineering; or any combination of experience, education, or training that demonstrates the applicant has the leadership competencies as described in the job description; valid Michigan Driver’s License. 

Successful candidates must also demonstrate strong supervision, communication, interpersonal, mathematical and technology skills.